Table of contents for 14-May-2020 in Pick Me Up!

After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was younger, I’ve always struggled with public speaking and social interactions. But with a passion for politics and social action, I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world. And so, when I was 14-yearsold, I joined Doncaster’s Youth Council and got involved with various school agendas. I joined their bullying programme, where I became a peer mentor for people going through a difficult time. Being a shoulder for them, I helped those transitioning from year six to year seven, along with anyone who needed someone to talk to. Being able to help my peers was so rewarding and in 2018, I was even given the Princess Diana Award. It was amazing and I knew I wanted to do more.…

Police investigations continued, but it felt like we weren’t getting anywhere. How could someone do this to Jodie? I thought to myself in disbelief. She was such a sweet girl – it made no sense. Eventually we had a breakthrough, and two people were charged. The trial started in September last year at the Old Bailey, and for eight agonising weeks, I went along every day. As the details of Jodie’s murder emerged, it was hard to take in. That evening, Jodie had been hanging out on a park bench with her boyfriend and a few of her friends in East London, when two figures emerged from a bush and one plunged a knife into her back. She died after suffering a seven-inch deep wound that caused her lung to…

Opening my eyes, I could feel my cat Prince, clawing at my face. Ugh, I thought, hiding back under the covers. Most pet owners are familiar with this feeling, having it happen on a regular occurrence, but for me, this was my daily routine. My fiancé Cameron, 38, has been using the cat to wake me up almost every morning since we got together. That, along with a combination of other things such as holding the alarm close to my ear, tickling me, ripping off the covers and on particularly bad days, throwing a glass of water over me. It’s a day in my life. Some days he throws water You see, when I was 18, I suddenly struggled to wake up of a morning. Of course, at the time,…

Top tip Available to buy online at BonPrix.co.uk Top tip Pair these earthy tones with golden jewellery. Top tip Made from sustainable materials! Sustainable collection As part of BonPrix’s ongoing commitment to Corporate Responsibility, they proudly have a Sustainable Collection. Crafted in a range of sustainable materials, in soft palettes ideal for any occasion. DYES The dyes are as eco-friendly as possible, with ingredients like lemon peel, rose petals and lavender. No chemicals are required and the dyes are only made from sustainable resources. The water from the dyeing process is so clean afterwards that it’s used by local farmers to irrigate their fields. WATER SAVING DENIM When it comes to dyeing clothes, their motto is ‘less is more’. Dyeing denim usually requires large quantities of water. By omitting one…

My screen started flashing, sounds rang out. I’d only won again! Flicking through photographs of my four children, 14 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren, I can’t believe my luck. It’s not often that me and my husband Peter, 66, get a moment’s peace. And keeping on top of birthdays and what each one is up to is chaotic. But I wouldn’t change my family life for the world. We’re a team. If I’m not busy keeping in touch with my family, I enjoy time at home with Pete. One of my favourite things to do while curled up on the sofa is to play bingo. I’ve been signed up to Pick Me Up! Bingo for eight years and still love the site. Though I’d spent years going to bingo halls with…

Scrolling through social media, you come across celebrities having picnics in their acres of land, taking a dip in their private pool, and working out in their personal gyms. ‘Appreciating the little things in life. #stayhome’ the caption reads. ThatÕs easy for you to say! you chuckle. Looking around at your cramped house, whilst your children bicker over homeschooling, and your partner attempts to work hard from a laptop in the kitchen, it’s not quite the same. How the other half live. It seems self-isolation is a completely different world when you’re a millionaire… Introducing the rise of a new online trend, dubbed ‘smugsolation’: the act of isolating in an enviable, expensive property with lavish food and booze during a global crisis, and proceeding to broadcast it on social media.…

www.theastrologyroom.com Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April I can see you’re finding it hard to get time to yourself lately. This is a week which sees you able to break through those barriers and to finally get what you want. You’ve had your rest, now it’s time for some hard work. Use this week as an opportunity to shape your life. The person on your mind will respect you more if you do. Your future is waiting, Aries! Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug A face you drifted away from of late is going to be trying to come back into your life. Think long and hard about this before you accept, Leo. Remember how you felt and not what you want. There is a…

Do you know how pythons keep warm? Brilliant idea! What better way to keep the kids entertained than by bringing wildlife into your home? Knowsley Safari in Merseyside is satisfying children’s curiosity with its Home School Safari – a new online learning hub packed with education, wildlife and conservation resources. Kids, parents and teachers can access free learning aids, including engaging educational videos, downloadable worksheets and fun animal facts and talks, covering topics including classification, Africa, food and feeding, veterinary animal care, and exploring different species. See the Knowsley Safari vet conduct an x-ray on a male African Lion to diagnose an injured paw, get up close to watch Kuzma the Amur Tiger having a root canal, and learn how giraffes are fed through the seasons. Do all birds fly?…

Solve the puzzle to spell out a term related to the picture. The arrows show you where to put your answers. The answer is spelled in the yellow squares. Aldi has teamed up with TV mixologist and flavour guru Pritesh Mody to recreate world-class cocktails at a fraction of the price. For more recipes visit aldi.co.uk Tiki Easy ☐ 35ml Aldi Sea Dog Spiced Rum ☐ 25ml Haysmith’s Seville Orange and Lime Gin ☐ 5ml Aldi Golden Syrup ☐ 20ml Grendine ☐ Tablespoon Aldi Marmalade ☐ 30ml Lime juice ☐ Orange wheel garnish 1 Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake HARD with ice. 2 Pour into a tall glass of crushed ice. 3 Garnish with an orange wheel. Bloomin’ Wild ☐ 35ml Saint Germont Reserve Vodka…

Complete the grid then read down the shaded squares to reveal the hidden answer. Clue: Meat product. ACROSS 7 Attempted (5) 8 Graceful animals (9) 10 _ Christie, mystery novelist, creator ~ of detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple (6) 11 Grappling combatant (8) 12 US sport (8) 13 Ventilates (4) 15 Tool used in freezing conditions (3,4) 17 Daniel _, British actor and star of 2017 horror film Get Out (7) 20 Compass point (4) 22 Drainage outlet (8) 25 Temporary loss of electricity (5,3) 26 Jane _, author of Pride and Prejudice (6) 27 1, 3, 5 or 7, e.g. (3,6) 28 Hereditary units (5) DOWN 1 Pleasant or sweet odour (9) 2 Pay a bill (6,2) 3 Smart aleck (4-3) 4 Brown sugar (8) 5 Jodie _,…

Switching on the tap, I called out to my son. ‘Freddy! Your bath will be ready in a minute!’ I said. It was March 2019, and Freddy, nine, and his older sister Amber, 16, were downstairs watching telly. My eldest daughter Kyra, 19, was away at university. As I waited for Freddy, I ran my hands under the water, checking the temperature. All of a sudden, I felt a strange sensation in my fingers. My arms went numb I could feel the water on them, but I couldn’t seem to feel if it was hot or cold. I’d been feeling overrun lately – I put it down to being a single mum – so I put it to the back of my mind, and once Freddy was in the bath,…

When my daughter Evie was born in June 2019, she was perfect. Weighing 8lb, she was a lovely addition to our family. Her big brother Theodore, two, was fascinated, staring at her in her hospital crib. And soon, bringing her home, we settled into being a family of four. ‘Are you happy?’ my partner David, 32, smiled as we watched Theodore lay next to his sleeping sister. ‘Extremely,’ I gushed. We were so grateful, but as summer came to an end and the seasonal cold came around, I now had two little ones to look after. And sure enough, when September arrived, Evie became poorly. To begin with, she just struggled to feed. Bursting into tears every time I tried and arching her back away from me. ‘It’s hurting her,’…

Grabbing my mug of tea, I lowered myself onto the sofa. It was October 2019 and, after a day at work, curling up in comfort was just the ticket. Picking up my laptop, I logged onto the Pick Me Up! Bingo site. I used to go to the bingo hall once every couple of weeks, but now I like playing at home just as much. It suits me well – gives me time to relax and enjoy the odd game from my sofa. I signed up to Pick Me Up! Bingo over 10 years ago and, as well as the bingo games, I also enjoy the slot games, too. Double Bubble and Tiki Island are my favourites. But if anything, I love the chat rooms the most. I can have…

Non-bakers, it’s time to get the oven on with the Easy Peasy Baking Campaign launched by NABIM (National Association of British and Irish Millers)! There has never been a better time for you to learn a new skill. Baking is useful, it benefits the mind, and it’s great to do with children – not to mention the delicious results. Makes 12 Cheese muffins with sweetcorn and spinach Don’t have spinach or sweetcorn? Experiment with your favourite fillings – chopped red peppers, onions or cubed ham make for delicious alternatives. You can also add finely chopped chilli or chilli pepper flakes for a spicy kick! ☐ 175g plain flour☐ 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda☐ 150g pre-grated cheese☐ 50g baby spinach, shredded☐ 100g tinned sweetcorn, drained☐ 2 eggs☐ 150g unsalted butter, melted☐…

Pigs in Blankets, £1.49 pack of 12, Aldi. Aldi have taken a classic Christmas staple and given it a springtime makeover, with these bite-sized mini pork sausages wrapped in bacon, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. The Rowntree’s Fruit Stack, £2.20 pack of 4, stores nationwide. Refreshing strawberry, juicy orange and zingy apple flavours are all combined into one lolly to create an instant hit of fruity refreshment. Perfect as the weather warms up! Bull’s-Eye Hot Sauces, £1.99, Stores nationwide. Adding some fire to your meals, Bull’s-Eye have launched three brand new hot sauce flavours to their range. Plant Menu No Steak Bake, £1.19 pack of 2, Aldi. The latest addition to Aldi’s vegan range, this plant-based savoury bake resembles a classic steak bake in appearance and taste, just without the meat! OUR MUST TRY The Freddo Sandwich, £2.50 pack…

Pouring a pint, I leaned across the bar and passed it to the handsome stranger across from me. ‘Here you go,’ I blushed. ‘Thanks,’ he grinned. ‘Any chance I can get your number?’ I first met Peter Chesney, then 27, in 2007 when I was a barmaid in our hometown of Dagenham, Essex. He was sweet and charming – I fell for him immediately. On our first official date, he told me he was a single dad of two girls – Jodie, then six, and her big sister Lucy, then eight. He wasn’t in contact with their mum, had sole custody. ‘Does that bother you?’ he asked apprehensively. ‘No,’ I smiled. ‘I’d love to meet them.’ I’d never really planned on having kids of my own, but I didn’t mind…

As the doorbell rang, my daughter Thea, then eight, raced to open it, skidding across the hallway floor in her socks. ‘It’s Nana!’ she squealed excitedly, as my mum Cheryl, now 52, walked in. ‘Hello everyone,’ Mum smiled as she walked into the kitchen carrying two large plastic bags. ‘What have you got there, Mum?’ I asked. ‘Chinese takeaway,’ she grinned. ‘I thought I’d treat you all tonight.’ ‘Thanks, Mum,’ I smiled, as the smell of sweet and sour wafted up my nose. ‘You really didn’t have to.’ It was a Friday night in July 2018, and a takeaway was just what we needed. My husband Tom, 30, and I had our hands full with Thea and our newborn son Artie. Mum was always on hand to help out, and…

Picking my daughter Sophie, then 15, up from school, she chatted to me about her day. ‘Can I go to prom, Mum?’ Sophie asked. Last summer, Sophie was in her final term at school. ‘Yes, of course you can!’ I said. As an exam invigilator, I was used to hearing the buzz of prom around school. It was the talk of the town in the spring and summer months. ‘What colour dress do you want?’ students would ask each other. ‘I’m getting a limo!’ they’d say. Prom is like a rite of passage for 16-year-olds. It signifies the end of exams, end of school – it’s exciting for everyone! ‘One of the girls in school has offered to loan me a prom dress for free,’ Sophie said. She was really…

As greasy bacon oozed into a warm roll, the server placed two sizzling sausages on top, followed by a generous helping of melted cheese and a chunk of black pudding. ‘This alright?’ she smiled, wrapping up the bulging butty in a napkin. ‘Perfect,’ I said, as I handed her the cash. ‘He’s a big lad, he needs this,’ my mate laughed, nudging me with his elbow before placing his own order. It was February last year, and my colleagues and I were on a job laying down pipes in an old Victorian property. We’d been on the job for a few weeks, and every day at around 10am, we’d nip out to the burger van down the road for a bacon and sausage butty. Not that it was my first…

Tv chef Joe Hurd is now hosting a free class for kids called Scran School via Instagram and YouTube. The Yorkshire chef off ers interactive cooking shows designed to develop basic cooking skills to create deliciously simple meals. Joe will encourage your youngsters to explore their own cupboards at home while highlighting the many different things that can be done with some staple food items. Each episode begins with obtaining ingredients and learning how to prepare them using easy to follow recipes. Joe will cook simple meals, helping kids get an idea of how meals are put together. Who knows, in a few weeks, your kid could be the next Masterchef winner! LITTLE COOKS CO If you’re struggling with keeping your little ones busy at home, why not give these…

YOU’VE GOT TA LAUGH! In December 2015, I was visiting South Yorkshire Spaniel Rescue to donate some money. Walking through the centre, a tiny brown Springer Spaniel whimpered at me. ‘Hey little one!’ I said, comforting him. As he licked my face and wagged his tail, I fell in love. ‘He can’t be adopted just yet,’ the staff told me. When it was time to say goodbye, he started to cry. Tears filled my eyes. Acouple of weeks later, the rescue centre invited me and my husband Andy, now 66, back to take him for a walk. As soon as I walked into the kennels, the pup recognised me and scampered over. ‘You remember me!’ I smiled. ‘You’re coming home with us, Teddy.’ I’d soon introduced him to my kids, Reece, now…